HVD Blog Love

In the spirit of this follyday (that I so secretly love) I thought I would share with you my absolutely favorite blogs. 

I love you, blogs!

This is Glamorous

For when I feel deprived of beauty, I come to this oasis.

Blog - Tumblr - Side Project

 Krisatomic

For stunning photography, a bundle of art inspiration and quirky must-have illustrations.

Blog - Tumblr - Shop

 A Cup of Jo

I love Joanna Goddard's blog SO MUCH! Her light-hearted blogging style is a picker-upper Mon-Fri. You know this blog already, of course. If you don't, how's under-rock land these days?

Blog - Pinterest

Smitten Kitchen

For reminding me that cooking can be beautiful and presentation always makes the food taste better! 

... and for inspiring me to cook at all!

Blog - Cookbook - Twitter

Hey, Lady Grey

For making me homesick (she's a Montrealer), reminding me to do courageous things (she's living in northern Quebec - that's very north), and to take life as it comes and to enjoy it with gusto! 

Blog - Her Life Up North

The Yvestown Blog

Because ooohhh, child (in my sloppy southern USA accent), this woman has an eye! 

Her kitchen is perfection. Perfection!

Blog - Pinterest - Shop

Photo Credits: *a glamorous little side project, krisatomic, Illustration by Ellen Van Engelen via Cup of Jo, Smitten Kitchen, Hey, Lady Grey, The Yvestown Blog

Man Crush: Mikhail Baryshnikov

I have been getting really into the ballet recently.

And well... 

It's as though a developing crush on Mikhail Baryshnikov was inevitable.

And so:

This has only made it grow exponentially!
How much would you love to have him spin you around?
Kind of hot, no?

Image Credits: Annie Leibovitz for Disney

Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Speech

I know this have been circulating the internet but I just felt like if you haven't had the chance yet here's another one:



What do you dream for?

via

... and what a lovely long weekend it was.

Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth! Well, it was yesterday, kind of, so it would be a belated wish at that.

Here in Canada we get a statutory holiday to celebrate our current head of monarchy's birthday... and it's always called Victoria Day, after Queen Victoria. I believe that in other parts of Commonwealth it's called Empire Day and is rarely observed. Victoria day has been celebrated on several different days as the reigning monarchs have decided to change it to their respective birthdays. Now it always falls on the closest Monday to May 24, which is Queen Victoria's birthday. Also, it only became a statutory holiday because some 5,000 people took the day off in Toronto to celebrate her 35th back in 1854. So even though QEII's birthday falls on April 21st, it's celebrated around May 24th.

Interesting tidbit, eh? (I'm such a Canadian.)

I'll be posting on my long weekend at home in Montreal later today.

Image Credits: unknown via

one two three four {my five}

Well, actually, my four. Okay, so this is a totally gratuitous post, but do you read ever read Lainey Gossip? She's my favorite gossip blogger. She can actually write and is really witty. Sometimes a little harsh but she makes me laugh daily (or every day I go on to her site, and she's Canadian, this makes me happy). Moving on, she has this thing called the Freebie Five. You know, the five that if, god-willing, you should ever get the chance, you get a 'hall pass' from your significant other. She makes it all about the dirty, who you'd want to spend a weekend in bed with but not necessarily need to speak to, I understand as Beckham is on hers. My qualifications vary. Here they are... Just because....

An excellent sense of humour is the sexiest! He's also smart. Graduated from Brown. If you aren't sold yet, watch the funniest outtakes clip of a TIME interview, here, and his visit on Kimmel, here, and a funny story of young John, here.

Also, he's trying to sell his house, can you imagine him romancing Emily Blunt here? Such a sweet house, love the little dining nook and the greenery outside.

I know, I'm totally in the bandwagon with millions of tweens, but let me make this clear: I think the Twilight franchise is cheap and sucks. Stephanie Meyer's prose is a joke and if you've ever read a book you'd agree with me. The movies make you want to laugh even though it's meant to be dramatic and suspenseful. And Renesme? Really?

Now. Back to the man. Or boy, I know some of you would argue he's just a boy, insecure and self-depracating. That's what I'm all over though. I absolutely abhor arrogance. Modesty. I'm all over it.

 Noah Mills. Model for D&G, Tiffany & Co, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger. This clip is what did it for me. He was also in SATC2, but it didn't give me the quivers, nude backside and all.

John Hamm. Need I say more?

Hope you enjoyed the why-not post. Who's on your Freebie Five? 

Here are some weekend links:

A great way to spend Earth Hour. Gather up your posse and do throw a murder mystery!

Great DAY (Do Anything Yourself) post.

LOVE this dinning room.

Delicious-est looking doughnuts EVER!

Cute Office.

A gorgeous updo how-to! I just tried it out and it's time consuming but really pretty... kind of feel like I'll be hanging around in it all weekend.

Hope your weekend is relaxating and fulfilling. Til Monday!

a star is laid to rest

Sad news. She will be missed.

Great article remembering her over at Vanity Fair called An Immortal Who Knew How to Live. Also, Furious Love was a delicious read (there's a great review here that will make you want to read it, instantly)...

This woman did indeed live. Survivor. Humanitarian. Star. They don't make 'em like they used to. In the day of Lindsay Lohans I realize how much of a loss this is.

Mine is Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. What's your favorite?

Image credits: Frank Worth/Emage International/Getty Images via Vanity Fair, John Springer Collection/Corbis via Vanity Fair, dpa/Corbis via Vanity Fair.

a love letter to SC

Happy Valentine's Day! 

What began as a youtube hunt for a favorite clip (scroll all the way down) quickly progressed into a full on saturation of the greatness and grace that is Sofia Coppola. I've just had a wonderfully SC packed weekend. Saturday night I saw Somewhere, and Sunday night it was Marie-Antoinette. I'm obsessed. She's my new role model.

Aesthetically speaking, Somewhere is pretty much the antithesis of Marie-Antoinette. Thematically, it's probably a little closer to Lost in Translation. I'm actually shocked that it's gotten no oscar love. I know I'm a little behind, the press has circulated, the movie's been out since Christmas. I just can't believe people haven't been raving about it. Look at the trailer. Even the way it's cut is all quality.

Also, Stephen Dorff. The vulnerability! Who knew? But see, this is Sofia. Sofia can draw that caliber of performance out of an actor. Actually, Dorff is unbelievably underated. Remember The Power of One? It's like he was the bad guy in Blade and he loses all credibility. Why am I pitying all over him and this movie? I'm not. I'm sad because people have no taste. A movie like this should be coming out every weekend. Since it's not where the money is, good directors (and bad ones) all bet on Anniston and 3D and a new mutating virus. Standards are low. I digress, sorry. 

Anyway, the point of this post is I love Sofia Coppola. I love her taste in interiors...

I love her talent for directing and her eye... everything she directs is like a wet dream to the eyes.

I love her style...

Most of all, I love how low key she is, her humility. I love that she lived in Paris and luxuriated in all the art and history and then returns to the States and does a purely minimalist movie. I love her less is more take on directing and her ability to recognize greatness in seemingly unlikable, messed up, conflicted and complex characters and quiet moments, that takes a keen sense of observation and a great sense of compassion. I just love her.

I hope you indulge in some sort of decadence today. x0x

{via, via, via, via, via, via}

a mood-picker-upper

... definitely what this is. I have a very very limited knowledge (two different links there) of anything to do with men's fashion and within its superficial universe I generally find that ninety-nine percent of male models are androgynously unattractive and just overlook anything to do with it. (It's not like a wear men's clothing.) So when I came across this clip over at Jak & Jil I was expecting a lot of little boys in underwear. What a surprise! It's basically just a bunch of guys having a lot of fun. It was a refreshing reminder that these guys who are dressed like dolls all the time are basically goofy, insecure, human kids. Not sure that was the point, if there even was one, but I'm glad all the same to have received it.

tomorrow is our day

Happy (almost) International Women's Day! The clip is Eve Ensler taking about how she got started on the Vagina Monologues, her campaign to end violence against women, and her own path to happiness.

She's just great, isn't she? Enjoy!

a history lesson

Newman, George Best, Kerouac, Basquiat, Samuel Beckett, Bjorn Borg and the Kennedys.

GQ offers a staggeringly exquisite retrospective on the most stylish men of the past 50 years. The photography alone is worth the perusal. The captions are the juice though. Link below.

ENJOY here.

pics from GQ

Hip Tranquil Chick Manifesto

a hip tranquil chick is that girl we aspire to be. she juggles a busy life with grace, makes time for thoughtful gestures, gives of her resources, always has her best face forward, fills her body with nutritious treats, lives her practice, and lights up a room with her presence. yep, an ideal girl for sure. i, however, love filling my body with chocolate and red vines. that's why i'm a work in progress!

the hip tranquil chick is who i aspire to be. she embodies traits i admire in others, and has all of these great attributes rolled into one well-balanced, chic and conscious chick!

here is the hip tranquil chick manifesto that may serve as a guidepost along the way to "hip tranquil chickness."

i, ___(you!)_____ , will:

create a value-led vision for my life
unleash my inner artist through constant creativity
practice breathing through challenges
consciously carve my career path
host savvy soirees to expand my community
handle my money mindfully and practice conscious consumption
design an oasis to nurture my soul at home and at work
think globally through socially conscious actions
exude my signature style with a dash of flair
embody zest for life
think outside the box and seek possibility
remain grounded
challenge myself daily
seek opportunity and express gratitude
serve as an inspiration others
move my body and nurture my relationships daily
practice yoga on and off the mat constantly
surround myself with candles, flowers, and positive pals
nourish my body with oodles of water, fresh fruit, and whole grains
carry flavored lip gloss, powder sheets, and rosewater facial spritzer
schedule herbal tea sipping, bath tub soaking, and journal writing
find inspiration in the mundane

Hip Tranquil Chick is a Kimberly Wilson creation.

link here for the Manifesto

link here for HTC world

I love Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore.

Ah, she was once a pure little girl who believed a rubber robotic Extra Terrestrial was the greatest friend she would ever have only to discover friends can often be alien. She was labelled a drunk by 11 and a self-proclaimed cocaine addict by 13. Exploited by her mother as a ticket to Studio 54, she was in and out of rehab at 13 and 14. She moved in with David Crosby from The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash where the believe-it-or-not sober environment would steer her aright, which ultimately led to her emancipation. Yes, that's right. She divorced her parents... something I lay awake pondering... and dreaming of but never having the guts to... carry out.

Yes, there were years where she thought the only way to be loved/adored was to take her clothes off, but haven't we all done that in some form or another? The point is this: SHE CAME OUT ON TOP! She has a production company that produces very happy-go-lucky films that aim to put a smile on your face. A worthy cause, I think. She just came out with her directorial debut, Whip It, and she is looking better than ever. She looks the happiest she's ever been and most comfortable in her own skin. She's reclaimed her youth and is as jovial as she would have been in those tumultuous years sans tumult. She has sprightly enthusiasm that is aspirational.

Some Drew quotes:

"Life can be dangerous! I feel like I'm no one to advise anyone. Who am I to say a word to anyone, and yet all I know is if you're just true to yourself and don't pretend to be perfect and embrace your flaws! Have as much fun as you can and BET ON YOURSELF!!! All the time... say I can do this and take the risk!

Believe in yourself."

"I just want to be funny and silly all at the same time."

"You have to look at yourself and say what is not working? What is? What kind of person do I want to be? What do I really care about? I love philanthropy. I love my friends. I love to travel. I love what I do and work but how can I take my creativity higher? How can I try new things? How can I reprioritize my life? and start flossing!"

She has a great head on her shoulders. Point finale. Je l'aime.

All quotes from David Letterman shows.

my crush on:

Totally gratuitous, I just think she's really unusual looking and gorgeous.

photos from models.com

a mentor on how to live

but she doesn't even really know the affect she's had on me... i'm talking about a miss Kimberly Wilson. what a wise soul this lady she shares so generously with us... if indeed you're interested... yogini, entrepreneur, activist, everything... kate moss minus the coke... and add and then multiply spirituality and brains to the mix and you're got yourself a miss Kimberly Wilson.

she's got a great book out that i've read and suggest it to anyone who is afraid of yoga and all that is tied to it... it's completely approachable and it's pink with hints of leopard print, see above. you can't go wrong. miss Wilson has tons and tons of tips on, to put it simply, how to be good to yourself. 

this is via

journal writing, yoga, unleashing your creative self, being mindful (of YOURSELF and others) etc etccccccccc and how to do it while stylin'!

and to top it all off she has a pug! not fawn but i can forgive her for that... since its called louie and mine is lulu... yep i think lulu has found her soulmate n'est-ce pas?

welcome to the world that is Kimberly Wilson.

enjoy her website www.kimberlywilson.com

which is the porthole to her blog her fundraiser her bio her basically everything you want to know... check out the hip tranquil chick manifesto at

hiptranquilchick.com/whoishtc.html

i highly recommend listening to her podcast as its done me wonderssss on itunes

c'est free and is called hip tranquil chick...

loves it.

enjoy it!